Venom-dependent vibration-induced anaphylaxis: A new hazard following large local reactions from hymenoptera stings

Large local reactions (LLRs) caused by insect stings are frequent in adults [1] and are usually induced by an IgE-dependent late-phase reaction [2]. A number of cases of acquired cold urticaria/anaphylaxis after LLRs have been reported, whereas cases of delayed anaphylaxis caused by insect stings have proved to be merely anecdotal [3-5]. Although vibratory angioedema is a rare disorder, cases resulting from mast-cell degranulation have been reported [6,7]. We evaluated serum tryptase level (as a marker of mast cell degranulation [8]) and vibration sensitivity in a patient who experienced severe anaphylaxis 18 hours after a wasp sting

The overlap syndrome of urticaria and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND:One-quarter of systemic symptoms associated with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are related to gastrointestinal complaints (GICs). OBJECTIVES:To investigate the prevalence and features of urticaria-overlapping GICs. METHODS:In this retrospective cross-sectional survey, 1426 consecutive outpatients were observed at our University Department. Only patients suffering from urticaria or GICs with a complete diagnostic work-up including serum total IgE level (Tot-IgE), differential blood count and urticaria activity score (UAS), were evaluated. RESULTS:Among different GICs, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was the most frequent syndrome observed (15.4%; 95%CI: 13.6-17.3). The prevalence of overlap syndrome for urticaria and GERD was 5.9% (95%CI: 4.7-7.2). In urticaria-patients, the prevalence of GERD was four-fold higher than in patients without hives (44% vs. 11%, p<0.001). UAS was significantly higher in urticaria and GERD overlap syndromes vs. isolated urticarias. In patients with GERD or acute/chronic urticaria or overlap syndrome, Tot-IgE and eosinophil blood count (EBC) differed significantly, with a stepwise increase in their values; from the subgroup of patients with GERD only, to that with overlap of CSU to GERD. Prevalence values for urticaria overlapping with GERD were three- and two-fold higher in CSU and in long-duration GERD cases respectively compared to acute urticaria or short-duration GERD cases. Similar to Th2 pathology models, CSU and GERD overlap syndrome was significantly and independently associated with Total-IgE ≥100IU/ml or EBC ≥250/mmc compared to CSU or GERD. Endoscopic/bioptic findings of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) were more frequent in chronic overlap syndrome than in GERD-patients. CONCLUSIONS:GERD was the most frequent GIC in patients with urticaria. Overlap syndrome was more frequent among patients with CSU, where this syndrome was associated with higher values of UAS, Tot-IgE, EBC and frequencies of NERD and BE. These results suggest that overlap syndrome is frequently a chronic syndrome with a Th2-like profile

Microscopic inflammatory changes in colon of patients with both active psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis without bowel symptoms

To evaluate colonic mucosa of patients with both active psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) without bowel symptoms. Fifteen persons (9 men,6 women) who had both active psoriasis and PsA without bowel symptoms underwent colonoscopy with multiple biopsies of bowel mucosa. Ten nonhospitalized healthy subjects in followup colonoscopy after resection of benign polyps (8 men,2 women) took part as a control group

Statistical approach for assessing the effect of powder reuse on the final quality of AlSi10Mg parts produced by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

The laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique for metals is used in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) processes for the production of functional parts starting from metal powders. Due to the high cost of raw materials and the strong impact of their characteristics on the whole process, it leads essentially to exploit the possibility of reusing residual powder a certain number of times, while ensuring high part performances and productivity. This paper introduces the implementation of a statistical approach for assessing the effect of powder reuse on the mechanical properties and the surface quality of AlSi10Mg parts additively manufactured. Design of experiments (DOE) concepts and the pre-design guide sheets are used to define an accurate procedure and perform a reliable experimentation, while the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and several graphical tools are used to analyse and summarise the experimental results. The effect of powder reuse showed statistical significance in terms of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. Nonetheless, both the static and the cyclic mechanical properties of the produced samples exhibited small variability and compliance with the company specifications up to the last printing run